Die heilige Nacht (The Holy Night) Op. 70, No. 3

Otto Valdemar Malling (1 June 1848 – 5 October 1915) was a Danish composer, from 1900 the cathedral organist in Copenhagen and from 1889 professor, then from 1899 Director of the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Copenhagen. He was born in Copenhagen, and became a pupil of Gade and Hartmann. in his later career he mainly composed organ works and vocal music, but he also wrote a significant amount of orchestral music, and a symphony in D minor. He supported himself as organist at various Copenhagen churches. His organ music brought Malling some reputation abroad, but after his death he was soon forgotten in his native country.

"Die heilige Jungfrau" was published by William Hansen in 1899. As with others works from these extended cycles, Malling describes these works as "Mood Pictures," and this is exactly what they are. This suite depicts events from the life of the Virgin Mary.

The third movement, "The Holy Night" is inspired by the famous verses from the Gospel of Luke, Luke 2:6-14. As with all of these works, Malling shows himself to be an expert at "painting the scene."

The scenes is quite dark and still as the Holy Birth occurs. Soon, the angels announce the glad tidings to the shepherds "abiding in the field" and they make their journey unto Bethlehem. The work grows in animation, reaching a grand climax, ushering in the chorale, "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern," which is surely one of Malling's favorites. The forceful statements of the hymn alternate with softer, more playful statements, as if the shepherds were piping the tidings.

We hear some of the darkness again as they return home, but at the very end, we catch another glimpse of the Star, now shimmering softly above the Manger Throne.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Otto Malling and of Gerard von Honthorst's (1590-1656) painting, "Adoration of the Shepherds."

I dedicate this with friendship to Stig - orgtqenthusiast.

The entire scripture verses are in the First Comment.